Ghanaian workers are expected to gain access to industrial and manufacturing employment opportunities in Russia following a labour cooperation agreement signed between the two countries.
The agreement, signed by Labour Minister Emmanuel Agyekum and the director of Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone, is expected to facilitate recruitment for an industrial hub housing 48 companies with a combined demand for more than 75,000 workers.
Under the arrangement, Ghana’s Ministry of Labour will coordinate the recruitment process, verify job offers and provide pre-departure orientation to help protect the interests of workers travelling to Russia.
Speaking after the signing on Thursday, October 29, Mr Agyekum said the agreement formed part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations and create opportunities for cooperation beyond employment.
He explained that the partnership would cover business-to-business collaboration, education, research, religion and cultural exchange.
“We signed a fantastic agreement, not only on labour exchange. We are also looking at business-to-business cooperation. We’re looking at religion and culture as well, where we want to work further to make sure our cooperation goes beyond just labour migration,” he said.
Mr Agyekum disclosed that Ghanaian businesses would participate in upcoming forums in Tatarstan to explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities.
He also said the two countries were considering academic collaborations that could enable Ghanaian professors and lecturers to conduct research with universities in Russia.
The minister encouraged young people to take advantage of the employment opportunities expected to emerge from the agreement as Ghana seeks to widen access to jobs abroad.
The Labour Ministry’s proposed role in coordinating recruitment and verifying job offers is expected to be central to the implementation of the arrangement and the protection of participating Ghanaian workers.
